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Bond funds followed equity funds to higher ground in 2009, as investors turned their attention to a sharp rebound in risky assets. The most stunning returns were found in lower quality choices such as High Yield Funds (+46.41%), Loan Participation Funds (+41.02%), and Emerging Markets Debt Funds (+32.49%), while pangs of disappointment were felt most harshly in U.S. Treasury Funds (-6.47%). Developments in the flow of funds in 2009 are also presented.

It’s hard to believe that three months ago we looked upon the bond funds world with amazement because the average taxable bond fund was up 5.32% for the second quarter. We had to go back to Q2 1995 (+5.56%) to find a better quarter. Considering those are the kinds of numbers we’re used to seeing over a full year, it was natural to expect the bond market to take a breather. Did it?

Although bond fund investors returned to riskier corners of the market in March of this year, things really didn’t get rolling until April and May (and June wasn’t too shabby either), leading to a spectacular second quarter: the average taxable bond fund was up 5.32%.

After a dreadful first quarter, investors breathed a sigh of relief as stock market returns remained strong for April and May, providing the strongest quarterly stock gains since the three-month period ended December 1998.

Bond fund investors returned to riskier pockets of the market in first quarter 2009, gaining confidence that the stimulus/ rescue plans put forth by the Obama administration (and in concert with the Fed) would support asset values. (To be honest, there were some screaming deals left over from the fourth quarter that warranted attention.)

After the major indices posted their worst January and February returns on record (and keep in mind, according to the Stock Traders Almanac’s January Barometer: “As January goes, so goes the year”), March provided the best monthly stock gains in over six years, shielding us from a repeat of the disaster of fourth quarter 2008.